U.S. patent application number 11/281415 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for communication apparatus and communication method.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Nobuyasu Nakajima.
Application Number | 20060111144 11/281415 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36461594 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060111144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakajima; Nobuyasu |
May 25, 2006 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
Abstract
According to this invention, a communication apparatus includes
a communication unit which communicates with an external device, a
management unit which manages a transmission condition of presence
information, and a control unit which controls transmission of the
presence information via the communication unit on the basis of the
transmission condition of the presence information managed by the
management unit.
Inventors: |
Nakajima; Nobuyasu;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
36461594 |
Appl. No.: |
11/281415 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.1 ;
348/E7.07; 386/E5.043 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/782 20130101;
H04N 21/42684 20130101; H04N 21/2585 20130101; H04L 67/24 20130101;
H04N 21/25816 20130101; H04L 63/04 20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101;
H04N 7/17309 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/556.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 25, 2004 |
JP |
2004-340878 |
Claims
1. A communication apparatus comprising: a communication unit
configured to communicate with an external device; a management
unit configured to manage a transmission condition of presence
information; and a control unit configured to control transmission
of the presence information via the communication unit on the basis
of the transmission condition of the presence information managed
by the management unit.
2. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the management unit manages a
power supply state, and the control unit controls transmission of
the presence information via the communication unit on the basis of
the power supply state managed by the management unit.
3. An apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control unit transmits the
presence information to an external server upon turn-on of the
power supply, logs on to the external server, and logs off from the
external server upon turn-off of the power supply.
4. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the management unit manages a
video output state, and the control unit controls communication
with the external device via the communication unit on the basis of
the video output state managed by the management unit.
5. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the management unit manages the
video output state, and in response to a incoming call from the
external device via the communication unit in a video output ON
state, the control unit superimposes information indicating the
incoming call on a current output video, or outputs information
indicating the incoming call to another unit different from the
unit on which the video is output.
6. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the management unit manages a
broadcast time of a designated program, and the control unit
controls communication with the external device via the
communication unit on the basis of the broadcast time of the
designated program managed by the management unit of the broadcast
time.
7. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the management unit manages a
broadcast time of a designated program, and in response to a
incoming call from the external device via the communication unit
in the broadcast time of the designated program, the control unit
superimposes information indicating the incoming call on a current
output video, or outputs information indicating the incoming call
to another unit different from the unit on which the video is
output.
8. An apparatus of claim 6, wherein the management unit manages the
broadcast time of the designated program on the basis of an
electronic program guide.
9. An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the management unit manages the
broadcast time of the designated program on the basis of an
electronic program guide.
10. An apparatus of claim 6, wherein the management unit manages
the broadcast time of the designated program on the basis of
recording reservation information corresponding to an electronic
program guide.
11. An apparatus of claim 7, wherein the management unit manages
the broadcast time of the designated program on the basis of
recording reservation information corresponding to an electronic
program guide.
12. A communication method for a system in which a communication
device and a server mutually recognize their presence by exchanging
a logical message, comprising: managing a transmission condition of
presence information; and controlling transmission of the presence
information on the basis of the transmission condition of the
managed presence information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-340878,
filed Nov. 25, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a consumer device such as a
TV with a communication function, like a videophone. The present
invention also relates to a communication method in such a consumer
device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In a personal computer (to be referred to as a PC
hereinafter), software for implementing a videophone function is
sometimes incorporated. For example, in Windows (registered
trademark) available from Microsoft, software called "Windows
Messenger" (registered trademark) for implementing a videophone
function is incorporated. This software registers the name of a
user who activates this software on the state of this user with a
server. The user state is, e.g., "present", "absent", or "busy".
Depending on this user state, it can be determined whether the user
can answer an incoming videophone call.
[0006] When using Windows Messenger, upon activation of this
software and logon by a specific user name, the event that Windows
Messenger is used by the specific user name is automatically
notified to the server. The change of the user state can also be
automatically registered at the same time a function such as a PC
screen saver starts. Furthermore, the change of the user state can
also be registered in accordance with an explicit software
operation by the user.
[0007] Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-319355 discloses
a technique in which when a caller cannot be connected to a callee
in a videophone system, a message is transmitted from the caller to
the server, and the server notifies a callee of the reception of an
automatically recorded message by mail.
[0008] Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-115371 discloses
a technique in which a switch has a number of modes of functions,
e.g., voice mail, and has a number of modes including an absence
mode and an transfer mode. Functions are set beforehand in order
that a function is selected and activated when a telephone number
of incoming call and a callee's mode correspond to a specific
telephone number and a specific callee's mode, respectively.
[0009] Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 9-135437 discloses a
technique in which a receiver with a communication function is
connected to a response server via a telephone line to avoid a
mismatch between the telephone number managed by the response
server and that of the receiver.
[0010] However, in the above disclosed techniques, transmission of
presence information cannot be controlled. That is, the user cannot
control whether to notify the communication party of the presence
of the device managed by the user. This is a problem from the
viewpoint of privacy protection.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, a
communication apparatus comprises a communication unit configured
to communicate with an external device, a management unit
configured to manage a transmission condition of presence
information, and a control unit configured to control transmission
of the presence information via the communication unit on the basis
of the transmission condition of the presence information managed
by the management unit.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
communication method comprises managing a transmission condition of
presence information, and controlling a transmission of the
presence information on the basis of the transmission condition of
the managed presence information.
[0013] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiment given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system in which a
communication device A is connected to a network according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic
arrangement of the communication device A for easily implementing
transmission control of presence information;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic
arrangement of the communication device A for easily implementing
transmission control of the presence information using a remote
controller;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a system in
which the communication device A directly uploads the presence
information and status information to a communication device B;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a state in
which the communication device B which intends to communicate with
the communication device A directly inquires the communication
device A of the presence information and status information;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the first example of a
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of the operation of the
communication device A in the first example;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the second example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the third example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the fourth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the fifth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the sixth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the seventh example of
the schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the eighth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining the first example
of an editing process of a presence policy;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining the second example
of the editing process of the presence policy; and
[0031] FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a presence policy
table held by a presence policy holding unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system in which a
communication device A is connected to a network according to the
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
communication device A managed by a user A is connected to a
presence server C via the network, and a communication device B
managed by a user B is also connected to the presence server C via
the network.
[0034] The communication device A is a TV with a communication
function like a videophone. Note that the present invention is not
limited to the TV with the communication function. For example, the
present invention can be applied to a system in which a
communication device and a server can mutually recognize their
presence by exchanging a logical message.
[0035] The communication device A includes a communication means
for communicating with an external device, a management means for
managing a transmission condition of the presence information of
the communication device A and a transmission condition of the
status information of the user A who manages and uses the
communication device A, and a control means for controlling
transmission of the presence information and the status information
via the communication means on the basis of the transmission
condition of the presence information and the status information
managed by this management means. Detailed examples of the means
will be described below with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0036] For example, the management means manages the transmission
condition set by the user A. This management means can set whether
to transmit the presence information and the status information,
depending on the presence server and a callee's device, which is
the communication device B. More specifically, the management means
controls transmissions of the presence information and the status
information by registering with the callee's device to which the
presence information and the status information are to be
transmitted.
[0037] Hence, the user A can take an initiative to control
transmissions of the presence information and the status
information. That is, the user A can prevent the presence
information and the status information from being unconditionally
transmitted. In other words, the presence of the communication
device A can be hidden according to a user's intention, thereby
protecting privacy. For example, when the presence of the
communication device A is hidden, it is effective as a measure
against unsolicited bulk mails, which are mails transmitted to mail
addresses selected at random.
[0038] The communication device A also includes an indicator, e.g.,
LED, or another display different from a video display, indicating
the state in which the presence information and the status
information are to be transmitted. Alternatively, the communication
device A may display, by superimposing on the video display, the
information indicating that the presence information and the status
information are to be transmitted.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device A has a control
button 1 which controls transmissions of the presence information
and the status information. By using the control button 1,
transmissions of the presence information and the status
information can be easily controlled. More specifically, by using
the control button 1, the presence information and the status
information can be transmitted to the presence server or the
registered callee's device, and the notified presence information
and the status information can be deleted.
[0040] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the communication device
A includes a remote controller 2 having the control button 1 which
controls transmissions of the presence information and the status
information. By using the control button 1 of the remote controller
2, transmissions of the presence information and the status
information can be easily controlled.
[0041] The control means of the communication device A uploads the
presence information and the status information to the presence
server C under the transmission condition of the presence
information and the status information. The communication device B
which intends to communicate with the communication device A
interrogates the presence server C, about the presence information
and the status information of the user A.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system in which the
communication device A directly uploads the presence information
and the status information to the communication device B. FIG. 5 is
a block diagram showing a state in which the communication device B
which intends to communicate with the communication device A
directly interrogates the communication device A about the presence
information and the status information. Upon reception of the
inquiry from the communication device B, the communication device A
directly notifies the communication device B of the presence
information and status information.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the first example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. FIG. 7 is a
view showing an example of the operation of the communication
device A in the arrangement of the first example.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the communication device A includes a
device power supply state management unit 11, a presence policy
holding unit 12, a transmission presence determination unit 13, and
a network interface unit 14. The device power supply state
management unit 11 and the presence policy holding unit 12 function
as management means. The transmission presence determination unit
13 functions as a control means. The network interface unit 14
functions as a communication means.
[0045] The device power supply state management unit 11 manages a
power supply state. For example, the device power supply state
management unit 11 manages the power supply state for the display
to which the video is output. The presence policy holding unit 12
holds and manages the transmission condition of the presence
information. The transmission presence determination unit 13
controls transmission of the presence information via the network
interface unit 14, on the basis of the power supply state managed
by the device power supply state management unit 11 and the
transmission condition of the presence information held by the
presence policy holding unit 12. That is, the transmission presence
determination unit 13 controls upload of the presence information
for the presence server C.
[0046] Next, an example of transmission of the presence information
used for operations shown in FIG. 7 in the communication device
shown in FIG. 6 is described. The transmission presence
determination unit 13 controls transmission of the presence
information for the external device, e.g., presence server C, upon
turn-on of power supply, and controls logon to the external device.
The transmission presence determination unit 13 controls logoff
from the external device after a predetermined time upon turn-off
of power supply. Note that as the display shifts to a stand-by
state in which power supply is not completely shut down, the
transmission presence determination unit 13 controls logoff from
the external device.
[0047] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the device power
supply state management unit 11 notifies the transmission presence
determination unit 13 of the power supply ON state. In
correspondence with this, the transmission presence determination
unit 13 requires the presence policy holding unit 12 to search for
a policy. In correspondence with this, the presence policy holding
unit 12 responds to the transmission presence determination unit
13, and the transmission presence determination unit 13 notifies
the network interface unit 14 of the presence information. In
correspondence with this, the network interface unit 14 transmits
the presence information.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the second example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 8, the communication device A includes a time slot input unit
21, a time slot management unit 22, a presence policy holding unit
23, a transmission presence determination unit 24, and a network
interface unit 25. The time slot management unit 22 and the
presence policy holding unit 23 function as management means. The
transmission presence determination unit 24 functions as a control
means. The network interface unit 25 functions as a communication
means.
[0049] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. The time slot
input unit 21 inputs the time period designated by user operation.
The time slot management unit 22 manages the designated time slot
input by the time slot input unit 21. The presence policy holding
unit 23 holds and manages the transmission condition of the
presence information. The transmission presence determination unit
24 controls transmissions of the presence information via the
network interface unit 25 on the basis of the designated time slot
managed by the time period management unit 22 and the transmission
condition of the presence information held by the presence policy
holding unit 23. That is, the transmission presence determination
unit 24 controls upload of the presence information for the
presence server C.
[0050] The transmission presence determination unit 24 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 25, on the basis of the designated
time period managed by the time slot management unit 22. For
example, in the designated time slot, communication with the
external device is rejected. In response to this communication
rejection, for example, a message is stored in the external device,
which is server. Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from
the external device in the designated time slot, the transmission
presence determination unit 24 superimposes the information
indicating the incoming call on the output video, or displays the
information indicating the incoming call on another display
different from the display on which the video is output.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the third example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 9, the communication device A includes a VCR Plus+ (registered
trademark) or a G code (registered trademark) input/interpretation
unit 31, a time slot management unit 32, a presence policy holding
unit 33, a transmission presence determination unit 34, and a
network interface unit 35. The time slot management unit 32 and the
presence policy holding unit 33 function as management means. The
transmission presence determination unit 34 functions as a control
means. The network interface unit 35 functions as a communication
means.
[0052] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. The VCR Plus+
input/interpretation unit 31 inputs and interprets a VCR Plus+. The
time slot management unit 32 manages the broadcast time of the
designated program on the basis of the VCR Plus+ input and
interpreted by the VCR Plus+ input/interpretation unit 31. The
presence policy holding unit 33 holds and manages the transmission
condition of the presence information. The transmission presence
determination unit 34 controls transmission of the presence
information via the network interface unit 35 on the basis of the
broadcast time of the designated program managed by the time slot
management unit 32 and the transmission condition of the presence
information held by the presence policy holding unit 33. That is,
the transmission presence determination unit 34 controls upload of
the presence information for the presence server C.
[0053] The transmission presence determination unit 34 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 35, on the basis of the broadcast
time of the designated program managed by the time slot management
unit 32. For example, in the broadcast time of the designated
program, communication with the external device is rejected. In
response to this communication rejection, for example, a message is
stored in the external device, which is server. Alternatively, in
response to a incoming call from the external device in the
broadcast time of the designated program, the transmission presence
determination unit 34 superimposes the information indicating the
incoming call on the output video, or displays information
indicating the incoming call on another display different from the
display on which the video is output.
[0054] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the fourth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 10, the communication device A includes a selected program
input unit 41, a selected program management unit 42, a presence
policy holding unit 43, a transmission presence determination unit
44, and a network interface unit 45. The selected program
management unit 42 and the presence policy holding unit 43 function
as management means. The transmission presence determination unit
44 functions as a control means. The network interface unit 45
functions as a communication means.
[0055] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. The selected
program input unit 41 inputs a program selected in response to a
user operation, e.g., program viewing reservation and program
recording reservation. The selected program management unit 42
manages the broadcast time of the selected program input by the
selected program input unit 41. The presence policy holding unit 43
holds and manages the transmission condition of the presence
information. The transmission presence determination unit 44
controls transmission of the presence information via the network
interface unit 45 on the basis of the broadcast time of the
selected program managed by the selected program management unit 42
and the transmission condition of the presence information held by
the presence policy holding unit 43. That is, the transmission
presence determination unit 44 controls upload of the presence
information for the presence server C.
[0056] The transmission presence determination unit 44 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 45, on the basis of the broadcast
time of the selected program managed by the selected program
management unit 42. For example, in the broadcast time of the
selected program, communication with the external device is
rejected. In response to this communication rejection, for example,
a message is stored in the external device, which is server.
Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from the external
device in the broadcast time of the selected program, the
transmission presence determination unit 44 superimposes the
information indicating a incoming call on the output video, or
displays information indicating the incoming call on another
display different from the display on which the video is
output.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the fifth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 11, the communication device A includes a selected program
input unit 51, a selected program management unit 52, a presence
policy holding unit 53, a transmission presence determination unit
54, and a network interface unit 55. The selected program
management unit 52 and the presence policy holding unit 53 function
as management means. The transmission presence determination unit
54 functions as a control means. The network interface unit 55
functions as a communication means.
[0058] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. The selected
program input unit 51 inputs the program selected by a user
operation, e.g., program viewing reservation and program recording
reservation. On the basis of the program information transmitted by
a program information management server 50, the selected program
management unit 52 manages the broadcast time of the selected
program input by the selected program input unit 51. The program
information management server 50 acquires the program information
via a communication line, and supplies the acquired program
information to the selected program management unit 52. Note that
this program information is information, e.g., i-EPG (electronic
program guide), including start and end times of the program for
each program. The presence policy holding unit 53 holds and manages
the transmission condition of the presence information. The
transmission presence determination unit 54 controls transmission
of the presence information via the network interface unit 55 on
the basis of the broadcast time of the selected program managed by
the selected program management unit 52 and the transmission
condition of the presence information held by the presence policy
holding unit 53. That is, the transmission presence determination
unit 54 controls upload of the presence information for the
presence server C.
[0059] The transmission presence determination unit 54 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 55, on the basis of the broadcast
time of the selected program managed by the selected program
management unit 52. For example, in the broadcast time period of
the selected program, communication with the external device is
rejected. In response to this communication rejection, for example,
a message is stored in the external device, which is server.
Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from the external
device in the broadcast time of the selected program, the
transmission presence determination unit 54 superimposes the
information indicating the incoming call on the output video, or
displays information indicating the incoming call on another
display different from the display on which the video is
output.
[0060] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the sixth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 12, the communication device A includes a selected
program/time slot management unit 62, a presence policy holding
unit 63, a transmission presence determination unit 64, and a
network interface unit 65. The selected program/time slot
management unit 62 and the presence policy holding unit 63 function
as management means. The transmission presence determination unit
64 functions as a control means. The network interface unit 65
functions as a communication means.
[0061] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. The selected
program/time slot management unit 62 receives program recording
reservation information from a reservation notification unit 60 of
a recorder such as video recorder and DVD recorder, and manages the
broadcast time of the program selected in accordance with this
program recording reservation information. For example, the program
recording reservation information is information based on the i-EPG
(electronic program guide). The presence policy holding unit 63
holds and manages the transmission condition of the presence
information. The transmission presence determination unit 64
controls transmission of the presence information via the network
interface unit 65 on the basis of the broadcast time period of the
selected program managed by the selected program/time period
management unit 62 and the transmission condition of the presence
information held by the presence policy holding unit 63. That is,
the transmission presence determination unit 64 controls upload of
the presence information for the presence server C.
[0062] The transmission presence determination unit 64 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 65, on the basis of the broadcast
time of the selected program managed by the selected program/time
slot management unit 62. For example, in the broadcast time of the
selected program, communication with the external device is
rejected. In response to this communication rejection, for example,
a message is stored in the external device, which is server.
Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from the external
device in the broadcast time of the selected program, the
transmission presence determination unit 64 superimposes the
information indicating the incoming call on the output video, or
displays information indicating the incoming call on another
display different from the display on which the video is
output.
[0063] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the seventh example of
the schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown
in FIG. 13, the communication device A includes a viewing state
input unit 71, a viewing state management unit 72, a presence
policy holding unit 73, a transmission presence determination unit
74, and a network interface unit 75. The viewing state management
unit 72 and the presence policy holding unit 73 function as
management means. The transmission presence determination unit 74
functions as a control means. The network interface unit 75
functions as a communication means.
[0064] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. The viewing
state input unit 71 inputs the video output state (video output
ON/video output OFF) of the video output device. The viewing state
management unit 72 manages the video output state input by the
viewing state input unit 71. The presence policy holding unit 73
holds and manages the transmission condition of the presence
information. The transmission presence determination unit 74
controls transmission of the presence information via the network
interface unit 75 on the basis of the video output state managed by
the viewing state management unit 72 and the transmission condition
of the presence information held by the presence policy holding
unit 73. That is, the transmission presence determination unit 74
controls upload of the presence information for the presence server
C.
[0065] The transmission presence determination unit 74 controls
communication with the external device, e.g., presence server C,
via the network interface unit 75, on the basis of the video output
state managed by the viewing state management unit 72. For example,
in the state of the video output ON, communication with the
external device is rejected. In response to this communication
rejection, for example, a message is stored in the external device
(server). Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from the
external device in the state of the video output ON, the
transmission presence determination unit 74 superimposes the
information indicating the incoming call on the output video, or
displays information indicating the incoming call on another
display different from the display on which the video is
output.
[0066] Note that a video game can be applied in place of the video
output. That is, it can be predicted that a video game is ON when
the video output is ON. Hence, depending on whether the video game
is ON, the user can control communication with the external device,
and correspond to a incoming call from the external device. For
example, in the state of the video game ON, communication with the
external device is rejected. In response to this communication
rejection, for example, a message is stored in the external device,
which is server. Alternatively, in the stage of the game ON,
information indicating a incoming call is superimposed on a screen
in the state of the game ON, or information indicating the incoming
call is displayed on another display different from the display on
which the video is output.
[0067] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the eighth example of the
schematic arrangement of the communication device A. As shown in
FIG. 14, the communication device A includes a device power supply
state management unit 80, a time slot input unit 81, a time slot
management unit 82, a presence policy holding unit 83, a
transmission presence determination unit 84, and a network
interface unit 85. The device power supply state management unit
80, the time slot management unit 82, and the presence policy
holding unit 83 function as management means. The transmission
presence determination unit 84 functions as a control means. The
network interface unit 85 functions as a communication means.
[0068] An example of the operation of the communication device A
will be described below with reference to FIG. 14. The device power
supply state management unit 80 manages the power supply state,
e.g., the power supply state for the display on which the video is
output. The time slot input unit 81 inputs the time slot designated
by a user operation. The time slot management unit 82 manages the
designated time slot input by the time slot input unit 81. The
presence policy holding unit 83 holds and manages the transmission
condition of the presence information. The transmission presence
determination unit 84 controls transmission of the presence
information via the network interface unit 85 on the basis of the
power supply state managed by the device power supply state
management unit 80, the designated time period managed by the time
period management unit 82, and the transmission condition of the
presence information held by the presence policy holding unit 83.
That is, the transmission presence determination unit 84 controls
upload of the presence information for the presence server C.
[0069] The transmission presence determination unit 84 controls
transmission of the presence information for the external device,
e.g., presence server C, upon turn-on of power supply. The
transmission presence determination unit 84 also controls logoff
from the external device upon turn-off of power supply.
Furthermore, the transmission presence determination unit 84
controls communication with the external device, e.g., presence
server C, via the network interface unit 85, on the basis of the
designated time slot managed by the time slot management unit 82.
For example, in the designated time slot, communication with the
external device is rejected. In response to this communication
rejection, for example, a message is stored in the external device,
which is server. Alternatively, in response to a incoming call from
the external device in the designated time slot, the transmission
presence determination unit 84 superimposes the information
indicating the incoming call on the output video, or displays
information indicating the incoming call on another display
different from the display on which the video is output.
[0070] FIGS. 15 to 17 are diagrams for explaining a presence
policy. FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining the first example
of an editing process of the presence policy. FIG. 16 is a block
diagram for explaining the second example of the editing process of
the presence policy. FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a
presence policy table held by the presence policy holding unit.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 15, the communication device A includes an
input unit 101, an input interpretation unit 102, a presence policy
editing unit 103, and a presence policy holding unit 104. The
information input by the input unit 101 is interpreted by the input
interpretation unit 102. On the basis of the interpretation
obtained by the input interpretation unit 102, the presence policy
editing unit 103 edits the presence policy held by the presence
policy holding unit 104.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 16, the communication device A includes a
remote controller command transmission unit 200, a remote
controller command reception unit 201, an input interpretation unit
202, a presence policy editing unit 203, and a presence policy
holding unit 204. The command transmitted from the remote
controller command transmission unit 200 is received by the remote
controller command reception unit 201, and the received command is
interpreted by the input interpretation unit 202. On the basis of
the interpretation obtained by the input interpretation unit 202,
the presence policy editing unit 203 edits the presence policy held
by the presence policy holding unit 204.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 17, for example, in the presence policy
table, the information indicating "present" is managed in
correspondence with the power supply ON state of the communication
device A. In the presence policy table, the information indicating
"absent" is managed in correspondence with the stand-by state of
the communication device A. Furthermore, in the presence policy
table, no information is managed in correspondence with the power
supply OFF state of the communication device A.
[0074] On the basis of this presence policy table, the information
corresponding to a transmission of the presence information for the
external device and a incoming call from the external device are
controlled. For example, in correspondence with the power supply ON
state of the communication device A, the presence information is
transmitted to the external device to logon to the external device,
the status information indicating "present" is transmitted, and the
device responds to a incoming call from the external device. Also,
in correspondence with the stand-by ON state of the communication
device A, the status information indicating "absent" is transmitted
to the external device. In correspondence with the power supply OFF
state of the communication device A, the device logs off from the
external device.
[0075] The communication device A may control the following
operations.
[0076] For example, when a codec is used during recording the
program, another codec is used to process incoming call's
information.
[0077] Also, the communication device A manages whether the video
game is ON, rejects a incoming call in the video game ON state,
superimposes the information indicating the incoming call on a game
screen, or displays the incoming call information on another
display different from the display on which the video is
output.
[0078] As described above, in the communication device A, the
following effects can be obtained.
[0079] Since the communication device A includes the control button
1 (or the control button 1 on the remote controller 2) which
controls transmission of the presence information and status
information, transmission of the presence information and status
information can easily be controlled.
[0080] Depending on the power supply state, e.g., power supply
ON/stand-by/power supply OFF, the communication device A can
control transmission of the presence information and status
information.
[0081] The communication device A can also control transmission of
the presence information and status information depending on the
operation state, e.g., video output ON/game ON.
[0082] The communication device A can also reject a incoming call
depending on the operation state, e.g., video output ON/game ON,
and store the message on the server side. That is, the
communication device A can cause the server to store the message,
by a incoming call rejection setting depending on the operation
state defined by the user.
[0083] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *